Labeling Plants

I'm new to DG, so this may have been discussed before, but it seems to be a concern for many of us. Just how do you label your plants so it lasts? I thought I had the answer last year when I ordered a small engraver to engrave on my metal stakes, but the engraving ended up not being deep enough and I can tell already that in a year or so they will be hard to read. It was just a little battery operated one. Now I've ordered a Dremel engraver which I hope will do a better job. Anyone use a Dremel? I've heard about making labels using Brothers PT Touch system. I would like to learn more about this. Comments? What about Avery waterproof labels? I've also heard about engraving on PVC pipe and poking these into the ground. Doesn't sound too attractive, but I'm willing to try most anything that will last!

Susan

Hi, Susan

If you scroll down, you'll see a box called 'Search the Site' on the right hand side of your screen. Just enter 'Plant labels' or something like that, and you'll get all kinds of places to find info on that subject in Dave's Garden.

Here's my personal experience. I use Sharpie Pens, (fine, extra fine, but not ultra fine). I cut plastic window blind slats to size with scissors and write on those. Here in my milder, less sunny climate, they'll last at least two years. In hotter, sunnier places, probably not. However, you can stick the printed end into the soil, or slant the tag at an angle with the printed side down, and the printing will last a long time.

Other members have recommended paint pens, and some emboss on soft metals. You can cut out pop cans and write with a regular pen...backwards, if you're clever! LOL!

There are all kinds of methods and there are many links available with the search. Your choice will depend on your main objective and your special needs. Do you have 12 or 1200 to make, should they be pretty, etc. Hope I was of some help.

OK, maybe I'm dumb, but when I type something into the search box at the bottom, I can't find a place to click. What am I doing wrong?

Susan

No, you're not dumb! LOL! I had the same problem on another site, then I hit 'Enter' and voila!

Susan, I did what Weezin suggested. I just clicked on my enter computer key and that brought quite a bit of info up. Did you sign up for the new Label Co-Op. I signed up for 200 of the labels, I have used that kind of label for many year. The main problem for me is a long lasting marking pen. I have tried about every kind on the market I think. Right now I am using one from Harris Seeds. I also write on the back of the label and try to place the label so it faces somewhat away from the sun, which of course isn't always possible.

Also if you use the mini blind slats and put the names on bottom of the slat also, what is in the ground will not fade. Donna

Right you are, Rutholive. You say it so much clearer than I. What's the new label co-op?

Weezin I really didn't word that correctly. LimeyLisa started a Co-Op under Garden Markers Co-Op.. the HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com. Sounds like a good deal good prices. Donna

There's some information in the following thread about markers, including the info on how I use a P Touch and metal markers from Paw Paw.

http://davesgarden.com/t/405905/markers

There's a small post in that very long thraed about garden markers from JoanJ. She is thinking of using the pens they use for marking the ear tags on cattle. Never fades.

I have a Brother PTouch 310, I am wondering how the Brother 2600 is better. I have used mine now for 3 years and most are still very readable. This year for some i did start applying 2" viny clear tape over the labels to see if they last any longer. Donna